Bus or Truck Mechanic, Diesel Engine Specialist
Salary

A sizeable majority of Diesel Engine Specialists and Truck Mechanics in the United States are men. In this role, average pay is around $19.59 per hour. Career length and the particular city each impact pay for this group, with the former having the largest influence. Unfortunately, some people in this line of work are without benefits — slightly less than a fourth lack coverage. On the flip side, a fair number have medical insurance and the larger part receive dental plans. Job satisfaction is reported as high by the vast majority of workers. The information for this rundown comes from respondents who completed PayScale's salary questionnaire.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

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Job Description for Bus or Truck Mechanic, Diesel Engine Specialist

A diesel engine specialist (bus or truck mechanic) are responsible for making sure that all diesel engines are running properly and that any issues are quickly resolved. They are also in charge of performing preventative maintenance to prevent any issues of arising, accurate diagnostics to pinpoint any and all possible issues. They ensure their work area meets all federal and state requirements, keep track of maintenance times, and order all parts that are needed to complete the job effectively.

Working conditions for a diesel engine specialist may include exposure to high noise, fumes, sparks, flames, and other hazards. The ability to lift at least 50 pounds is required. This is a full time position in most cases. Most of the time, a diesel engine specialist (bus or truck mechanic) works for companies responsible for maintaining bus and/or truck fleets.

A diesel engine specialist (bus or truck mechanic) must possess the proper certificates for the jurisdiction in which they work and be a master technician. They are also required to have at least three to five years of work experience in the field. Most companies also require that diesel engine specialists have a valid state license and prefer a CDL license.

Bus or Truck Mechanic, Diesel Engine Specialist Tasks

Learn and apply new technology in advanced diagnostics and repairs.

Comply with safety and EPA procedures.

Perform basic preventative maintenance, as well as troubleshoot and repair all types of diesel engine vehicles.

Maintain inventory of tools and supplies.

Common Career Paths for Bus or Truck Mechanic, Diesel Engine Specialist

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Diesel Engine Specialists and Truck Mechanics may enjoy increased earnings if they become Diesel Shop Foremen. This seems to be a popular career move, and Diesel Shop Foreman earn a slightly higher median of $50K annually.

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This chart shows the most popular skills for this job and what effect each skill has on pay.

Diesel Engine Specialists and Truck Mechanics who responded to the survey indicated only a few skills that they use on the job. Most notably, skills in Electronic Troubleshooting, Systems Troubleshooting, Welding, and Maintenance are correlated to pay that is above average. Skills that are correlated to lower pay, on the other hand, include Maintenance. It is not unusual for someone who knows Electronic Troubleshooting to be familiar with Welding as well.

Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.

Diesel Engine Specialists and Truck Mechanics with more experience do not necessarily bring home bigger paychecks. In fact, experience in this field tends to impact compensation minimally. Survey participants with less than five years' experience report a median income of $38K, and earnings aren't much higher for respondents who have five to 10 years under their belts; respondents in the latter group report a median of just $40K. The average pay reported by folks with 10 to 20 years of experience is around $47K. Ultimately, more time spent in the workforce does seem to translate to bigger paychecks; seasoned veterans with more than 20 years of experience report a median income of $51K.

Bus or Truck Mechanic, Diesel Engine Specialist Reviews

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